Legal and tenant help in Colorado
The short answer
Got eviction papers in Colorado? File your Answer on or before the date on your Summons. Paying all the rent owed before the court enters an eviction order means the case must be dismissed. Call Colorado Legal Services at 303 837 1313.
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Eviction steps in Colorado
- Colorado Legal Services says that before filing for unpaid rent, your landlord has to give you 10 days of notice with a Demand for Rent or Possession. Some federally connected homes must give 30 days.
- The Colorado courts say you can't file an Answer after the date on your Summons has passed. Trial is usually set 7 to 10 days out.
- If you pay the rent at or before your trial, before the court enters an eviction order, the case must be dismissed.
- Applying for rental help is not a defense, and the court can't wait on your application.
- An eviction can happen as soon as 10 days after an eviction order. People on SSI, SSDI or Colorado Works, and mobile home residents, may get more time.
Official pages: coloradolegalservices.org/housing/evictions, coloradojudicial.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/ADVISEMENT%20FOR%20EVICTION%20CASES%2012.10.25_A_0.pdf
Colorado Legal Services
Colorado Legal Services gives no cost legal defense to renters who qualify and runs courthouse eviction clinics for people with a court summons, on or before the summons date.
Official page: coloradolegalservices.org/housing/evictions
Fair housing
The Colorado Civil Rights Division takes housing discrimination complaints. You can also file with HUD.
Official pages: ccrd.colorado.gov, hud.gov/fairhousing
More help in Colorado
Sources last checked October 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or a spot in any program. Each place decides who it can serve. You choose what feels right for you.